But Joe Russo, the co-director of two of Evans’ Captain America films, along with Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers 4, is now hinting that reality might be different. He told USA Today the following, in reference to Evans’ tweet about his “emotional” farewell to the character:

“I think it was more emotional for him than us, only because he’s not done yet. [laughs] I won’t explain what that means, but the audience will soon understand what I’m talking about.

All together now: Hmmmmmmmmmmmm...

So this could mean a few things. It could mean that Evans’ contract isn’t up, or that he signed a new contract — and that he was either playing a shrewd negotiator with Marvel (or straight-up lying) when he sent his farewell tweet. It could also mean he’s done with the role for the most part, but may make cameos here or there in the future — imagine a scenario where, for example, Steve Rogers loses his Super Soldier Serum and grows into an old man (something that’s happened in the comics) and they trot out a computer-aged Chris Evans in Avengers 5 for a scene or two.

Or, I dunno, maybe Chris Evans is doing the voice of Captain America in an Avengers cartoon? He’s going to be writing Captain America comics for Marvel? Joe Russo just loves messing with people? We probably won’t know for sure until Avengers 4 hits theaters next May.